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OF SOUTH CAROLINA. 121 
sand, and often, one would suppose, in sufficient quantity to be of some economic value as an ore 
of iron. The rounded masses on the surface that generally indicate the presence of trap rocks, 
have been described as true transported boulders. ‘Their rough, unpolished surfaces, however, will 
always be sufficient to distinguish them. 
In wet weather the roads over this plain are almost impassible, from the stiff, tenaceous mud, 
formed by the soil. I was informed that at no very distant period this tract resembled a prairie, 
with but a few scattered post-oaks, the stumps of which may yet be seen among the thick growth 
of “black-jacks” that covers the surface. 
These rocks are not confined to the space included between the branches of the creeks mentioned 
above, but extend towards the South-west, on the waters of Sandy River. They are here more or 
less mixed with feldspathic rocks, which gives the soil a lighter color. This portion of the District 
is also more undulating and even broken. 
This mixture of trap, eurite, and feldspathic porphyry, I found in many places on the outer edge 
of the main body of the trap, and is always indicated by patches of yellowish soil, containing frag- 
ments of compact feldspar. 
I am inclined to think that the true character and value of the greater part of the trap lands of 
Chester have been concealed by the “black-jacks” which have taken possession of them, to the 
exclusion of almost every other tree; and not being considered indicative of a fertile or promising 
soil, the tract of land under consideration has never received the attention it deserves. So far, how- 
ever, as my observation goes, this tree must be considered as indicating, with far more certainty, the 
relations of soils to moisture, than to fertility. The disintegration and decomposition of trap rocks 
always produce a stiff sub-soil, impervious to water, and hence favorable to the growth of “black- 
jack.” 
A bed of soap-stone is found a few miles from the village, on Sandy River, which has been 
worked to a limited extent. 
Near Hopewell a series of rounded hills of coarse, crystalline granite extends over a distance of 
two or three miles. A strip of mica slate is also found here. This rock, which is not very abun- 
dant in the District, may be seen on the eastern side of the District, on the plantation of Col. 
Pride, where it passes into gneiss, which is highly fissile, and splits readily into tablets suitable 
for flagging stones. 
Near the Canal hornblende rock and sienite have been excavated in the construction of that 
work. 
Near Fishing Creek fine specimens of brown jasper are found, and large manganesian garnets 
occur ina vein of quartz. Another locality of this mineral, I was informed by Dr. Douglass, is 
known to occur near Hopewell Church. 
There are two mineral springs on the creek, the waters of which are charged with iron and 
muriate of lime. Indeed the lime of the trap rocks has very generally imparted itself to the water 
of the wells in the District, as may be perceived in the village and elsewhere. 
The knolls of granite interspersed through the trap, frequently on the same plantation, often pre- 
sent a choice between the two, as sites for dwellings. Every thing else being equal, of course the 
granite should be chosen, on account of the purer water that it would furnish. 
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